Self-Advocacy Coordinator Taylor Appointed to MS Council on Developmental Disabilities

Robert “Taylor” Carley, self-advocacy coordinator with the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), was appointed by Governor Tate Reeves to serve as a member of the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities. This appointment is for three years until fall 2028.

The Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities is a federally funded entity that is charged to identify the needs of people with developmental disabilities in the state. Councils are located in every state and in some territories as well.

“Service has been a strong component of the self-advocacy role at IDS and Taylor has consistently been a leader in demonstrating service to others. By serving as a self-advocate on the Council, he is able to advocate not only for himself but all Mississippians with disabilities” according to Dr. Jerry R. Alliston, Interim Executive Director.

As a Council member, Taylor will assist in reviewing yearly grant submissions, monitoring funded grants, and facilitating the development and adherence to a 5-year state plan to address improving the delivery of services for Mississippians with developmental disabilities and their families.

Taylor has served with IDS for 10 years in his role as self-advocacy coordinator. Prior to that, Taylor participated in IDS’s TRIAD AmeriCorps program and the STEP UP to Leadership Council.

IDS is Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. For 49 years, IDS has upheld its mission to positively affect the lives of Mississippi citizens with developmental and other disabilities and their families across the lifespan and to work toward increasing their independence, productivity, and community inclusion.